Your Preshot Routine in Golf
What do golfers overlook in their preshot routines?
I think they overlook the mental strategies that are critical to a good preshot routine. Every golfer uses a physical routine to help them set up to a shot – golfers must do this to aim and set up to a target.
However, many golfers go through the physical motions without mental focus…
They skip the most important part of the preshot routine: pre-swing decision-making.
I’m not just talking about club selection. I’m referring to target selection, shot selection, and programming your body to hit a good shot with powerful images.
I call this phase of the routine the “planning and programming” part of the routine. The planning sets up the entire shot especially your confidence and trust in your ability to hit the shot.
If you pick a difficult target, are unsure of your plan, or second-guess club selection, you will make an indecisive swing in the best case. You can’t stand over the ball with confidence and trust when your are wavering with your plan.
I encourage golfers to pretend they are on-deck (like a baseball player) behind the ball. You should do all the planning while in the on-deck circle. Once you leave the circle, you commit to the plan and don’t second-guess your approach.
Your mind is then in position to carry out the procedure (over the ball) and execute the shot because you are sending clear signals – not mixed messages – to your body. Your confidence and trust can then flourish.
Do you want to find out about other mistakes you or your players might be making with their preshot routines?
I just published a complementary report to help you improve your preshot routine. It’s called *Six ‘Costly’ Mental Game Mistakes Golfers Make During Their Preshot Routines.*
I suggest you get a copy before I pull it down and put it in the member area. While you are there, you can watch my new Golf Confidence video series.
Here’s the link:
Watch Golf Confidence Videos Now!
Your Mental Game Coach,
Dr. Patrick Cohn
p.s. In addition to being an expert on preshot routines, I wrote the book on how to go low when you are playing well – literally – it’s called “Going Low.” Download my free report and I’ll email when my next Golf Confidence video on going low is posted:
Watch Golf Confidence Videos Now!
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How to Improve Your Preshot Routine
- How Preshot Routines Can Improve Your Performance
- Golfers, Do You Lose Focus During Your Preshot Routine?
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Golfer’s Mental Edge
What’s the big sign that your mental game is the weak link in your golf game? When you can’t play consistently as well as when you play a practice or casual round–or your range game is way better than your game on the course. If you suffer from lack of focus, low self-confidence, poor composure or other mental game obstacles on the course, you can’t reach your true potential in golf.
The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0 Audio and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer.
Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach “The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0” principles to their players. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance and consistency by managing their mind better on the course.